Vacuum breaker



Nov. 22, 193s. R H. INKL 2,137,520

VACUUM BREAKER Filed Aug. 8, 1955 Patented Nov. 22, 1938 .l

VACUUM BREAKEB.

Roy H. Zinkil, Oak Park, IIL, assignor to Crane Oo., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application August 8, 1935,` Serial No.` 35,322

14 Claims.

More particularly, this invention relates to that type of device known to those skilled in the art as vacuum breakers and especially to such form which is particularly suitable for use with plumb- 5 ing iixtures suh as closet bowlsand the like, to

prevent any reverse ow caused by back syphonage and thereby contaminating the fresh water supply creating an extremely dangerous and insanitary condition even to such extent as to preio cipitate epidemics involving serious illness.

Therefore, it is one of the more important objects of this invention to provide for a vacuum breaker which may be conveniently made integral with a water closet or any similarly used l5 xture Without requiring the luse of any .moving parts and without any necessity for providing for a spill-over or a drain `from the vacuum breaker other than through the normal openings through which the water ows to flush the fixgo ture. More specifically, the vacuum breaker employing my invention is so constructed that there is no need ior providing any special drain channels to let the lWater iow from the vacuum breaker unit to the closet proper.

mi; It is another object to provide a vacuum breaker preferably integral with the ilxture and which is so arranged that the air vents are positioned above the highest possible water level attainable within such iixture with which the 3@ vacuum breaker may be employed. By the expression highest possible water level attainable within such iixture is meant that under no circumstances short of ooding the room itself to a considerable depth, as for example, above the 35 rim of the xture, is it possible for the ushing supply and venting means within such xture to be reached by contaminative water.

it is conceded that in the construction of a device oi' this character, care must be taken to ,l provide for the supply orifice thereto being suiliciently removed above the highest possible water level attainable within thev :dxture sov that upon the occurrence of a vacuum or reverse ilow, sumeient air is admitted to prevent back slphonage. 4,5 More specincally, the baille together with its aperture must be so positioned-as not to allowfor my possibility oi reverse ow due to the vacuum or suction pull created within the lines and also prevent outwardly splashing spray during the 5@ iiushing operation which might be termed spitting. This necessitates positioning of the said orifice so as to allow foren air gap between it and the surface oi the highest water level attainable and sumcient to prevent any liquid connec- 55 tion whatever or back ilow therethrough.

Another important object is to provide for the type of device in which several of the parts may be made of the material of which the fixture itself is composed, as for example, porcelain or china, or earthenware, and the remaining parts 5 may be made of conveniently machlneable lmetallic materials.

Another important object is'to provide for a. construction which is so arranged as to permit the axial alignment of the respective uid passages therewithin; thusl expediting freedom of ushing flow, with a minimum of' surface resistance, and also obtaining the maximum amount of kinetic energy from the `Water in its passage to the iet channel of the closet bowl, for example.

Another object lies inthe provision in a vacuum breaker of the type described in which the respective ports or passages through which the ushing duid may pass are in axial alignment, and one of the passages leads to the water supply nozzle. The lovvermost one provides the necessary inlet to the channel of the fixture supplying the main jet, and the one positioned therebetween may also function as a baille. 4

Another important object is to provide ior av construction in which relatively high ushing velocity may be maintained with a comparatively small inlet supply. Another important object is to provide for a vacuum'breaker preferably integral with the iixture having a hooded construction over the vent openings so as to conceal the latter from normal view and also to prevent the entry oi foreign matter therewithin.

Another important object ls to provide in a vacuum breaker of this type a construction inl 35.

which the air vents in the breaker have an area many times greater than that of the area oi the ilush pipe inlet.

Another object is to provide a construction in which a spray baille within the breaker serves to o prevent slight spitting into atmosphere of the water during the hush.

Uther objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon proceeding with the following description in connection with the drawing, in which Fig. l is an exterior side view of a closet bowl illustrating a preferred positioning of an integral vacuum breaker thereon.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional assembly View of the vacuum breaker proper with relation to the rim supply and jet inlet, respectively.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 2 5-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. i is a fragmentary sectional view oi a 55 modified form of my invention, in which the sev-A eral internal parts as the throat and baille, as distinguished from Fig. 1, are made integral with the bowl.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in the various views.

Referring specically now to Fig. 2, the closet bowl I which may be of any conventional type, such as the syphon jet, for example, is provided with the extension housing or enclosure 2 preferably but not necessarily made integral therewith, having a hood or cover 8 with overhanging eaves or extensions 3a supDOrted upon the rib 4 at the rearward portion and upon the forward wall Ib thereof, respectively,V forming therebetween the air vent openings 5a for purposes hereinafter to be described in greater detail, and with an upward extending ,wall 5 serving as the lower limit of such vents 5a.

The lower portion of the peripherally formed extension wall 2 is providedqwith a transversely positioned baille 6 having an upper surface 8d sloping slightly downwardly and inwardly toward its center portion from its peripheral extremities and having a central aperture 'I serving as a drain for such water which may accumulate'during the course of flushing. The baille 8 for reasons' hereinafter explained is vpreferably positioned so as to be beyond the highest possible water level attainable within the bowl proper and as a consequence is positioned substantially above the upper surface of the rim 8.

The hood or cover 8 is provided at its upper i surface with a nozzle member 9 suitably threaded 351 as at 9a for convenient attachment to the usual inlet supply pipe (not shown) as may be required, and also forithe purpose of attachment to the hood, -as "will hereinafter be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the hood 3 is provided with an Iopening II preferably tapered on its periphery so as to' provide for a joint as at I2 with an armularly shouldered compressible gasket I8, the latter-having a flanged lip, a portion of which normally is supported upon the annular shoulder 'of the housing 3, and the other being inserted between the tapered peripheral clearance provided by the walls of the tapered aperture I I and the shoulder 8b of the nozzle member 9. A threaded nut or washer' I4 provides the means Vfor exerting the'desired compression therebetween so as to form a normally fluid tight joint.

It is of course apparent that the detailed manner herein described in makingvup the foregoing joint may be modified considerably, and further that per se it forms no significant part of this invention..

The lower portion of the nozzle member 8 is preferably provided with a throat portion 9c which directs the flow of water therefrom in a converging stream possessing thereby increased velocity through the preferably slightly. enlarged aperture I of the baflie'G and thence into the aperture I5 of the jet channel I6 of the closet I. The respective flow ports 9c, 'I and I5 are preferably arranged in axial alignment so that frictional resistance to stream low is reduced to an \absolute minimum, but at the same time, properly spaced with air gaps so as to provide a positive assurance of venting from'the atmosphere to prevent back syphonage.

' 'I'he flushing water from a flush valve or tarrk (not shown) suitably positioned abov the inletof nozzle member 9 discharges `do wardly' through the reduced aperture 9c and issues from directly to the jet (not shown) of the bowl and accomplishes the principal or primary flush therewithin by what is termed a syphonic jet action. Of course, the latter action will vary depending upon the type of closet bowl selected for the installation.

It is apparent that any water which might accumulate, however slight, within the enclosure I,'I will, because of the previously mentioned inwardly sloping surface 6a, drain by gravity toward its central portion and flow into the aperture 1.

Since the flushing water is discharging at relatively high velocity through the restricted passage 1, it is also obvious that p. pronounced ejector or 'aspirating effect is produced by reason of the air drawn in through the vents or ports 5a and which makes frictional contact with the ushing stream emerging from the mouth 9e of the nozzle member 9 thereby causing a certain water, particularly below the bale 6, as more clearly shown in Fig. 3. This mixture of air with water is quite as effective as a corresponding volume of water alone for flushing, thus resulting in a substantial economy'in the amount of water ordinarily necessary for such flushing purposes. ,f Preferably 'at a position annularly surrounding the lower shoulder 9d and abutting against the surface 8b, the downwardly extending and preferably cylindrically formed baille I8 encloses the port 9c. ofthe nozzle member 9, serving thereby as a restraining means against any outward passage of spray or droplets of water emanating at high velocity from the port 9c. The lower limit of the baille I8 may obviously extend to a level considerably lower or even higher than as illustrated, depending upon the service condition of the installation, having in mind that the principal purpose of the baille I8 is to reduce to a minimum preferably integral with the closet or similar plumbing fixture with which the invention is associated. The spud or tailpiece 20 preferably threaded asat 20a and having a flared end abutting within the integral structure may then be joined in a manner similar to that described in connection with Fig. 2.

In explaining the operation of my invention, let it be assumed that a supply fixture, as for example a flushing valve or a tank connected by the conventional tubing `to the upper end of the nozzle member 9, has been actuated thus creat-- ing the iiow of the flushing stream downwardly into the throat 9c and into the apertured passage 'I of the baille 8'. Such stream flow being under 75- v relatively high velocity, as previously mentioned, tends to draw the air inwardly from the atmosphere through the aforementioned ports 5a. The incoming air through the ports 5a is drawn in from the surrounding ratmosphere and the path of the air taken in is that as indicated by the arrows shown, and as previously stated, causing acertain degree of turbulence and a mixture of water and air which is effective in contributing to the eiliciency oi the flush as well as in economizing in the amount of water ordinarily necessary for flushing purposes.

Thus. in the event that a vacuum should be created within the supply lines which might be traceable to a variety of causes, as for example, in shutting ou a valve in the fresh water supply line or else from a relatively heavy consumption of water at a lower level, it is readily apparent that by virtue of my invention it is absolutely impossible for any reversal of iiow to occur within the fixture or for the liquid rlevel to rise therein to any noticeable height so as to enter intothe fresh water supply line. This condition is obtained by reason of the fact that the ports or ventsi 5a being oi .a generous size and always open to atmosphere, provide a full and i'ree inward air ilow, to prevent the formation of any vacuum in chamber 4. Consequently no water can be pulled (sucked) up from orifice l to nozzle Se.

It is further apparent of course that the modications are numerous which may be resorted to -without departing from the invention herein desubstantially horizontally extending baille positioned transversely between said ports and having upon its upper surface inwardly sloping drain means for water accinnulation during the iiushing of said iixture, the said drain means discharging into the said axially aligned ports, the said baille being positioned above the highest water level attainable within said fixture, a housing integral with the said fixture enclosing the said ports and the said baille, the said housing comprising` venting means to atmosphere in communication with the said ports.

2. In an air relieving means of the character described, comprising in combination a fixture to be flushed, a. plurality of ushing ports in axial alignment and of substantially uniform size, 'an intermediate banle positioned transversely between said ports and having an aperture in substantial axial alignment therewith, a housing integral with said fixture enclosing said inlet supply ports and said baille, a coaxial throat portion projecting within said housing, annularly positioned baille means around said throat portion, the said housing comprising vent openings to atmosphere positioned above the highest possible water level attainable in said fixture.

3. In a vacuum breaker, comprising in com-r` ed housing integral with such fixture enclosing the said ports and said baille, a coaxial throat portion within said housing and integral therewith, and an annular substantially. coaxial baule surrounding said throat portion. c

4. In a vacuum breaker, comprising in combination a fixture having a plurality of ports in substantial axial alignment; the latter constituting ilushing means for the said iixture, a spud projecting from the uppermost of said ports, an annular baille surrounding said spud, the said spud and the said annular baille being attached to the said vacuum breaker, a horizontal baille positioned between said ports and having Aan aperture'in axial alignment therewith, a housing enclosing said ports and the said bailles, the said housing having vents in communication with the said ports above the highest attainable Water level within the said ilxture.

5. In a vacuum breaker, comprising in combination a fixture having a plurality ci' ports in axial alignmenttherewith, the latter constituting flushing means for the said xture, a depending nozzle projecting from the uppermost of said ports,a substantially horizontal bame positioned transversely between said ports and having an aperture in substantial axial alignment therewith, the distance between the end ci the said nozzle and the said aperture being at least equal to` the diameter of the said nozzle, a housing upon said ilxture enclosing the said ports and the said baule, having vent openings on the walls of the side and rearward portions thereof, the said nozzle and said baille being positioned above the highest attainable water level within said fixture and a hood over the said vents.

d. In air relieving means of the character described,rcomprising in ccunbinationI a fixture to be flushed, a plurality of flushing ports in axial alignment and of substantially uniform sise, an intermediate substantially horizontal baille positioned transversely between seid ports and having a receiving aperture in substantial axial alignment therewith, a housing integral with said nxture enclosing said inlet supply ports and said baille, :a coaxial throat portion projecting within said housing, annularly positioned bane means around said throat portion. the said housing comprising substantially transversely extending vent openings in direct communication with the atmosphere, both housing and said vent openings in their communication with atmosphere being at a level above the rim of the said 7. In air relieving means of the character described, comprising in combination a iixture, a

ment, an intermediate substantially horizontal baille positioned transversely between said ports and having central drain means discharging into one of said flushing ports, a housing cooperating with said iixture to enclose the said inlet supply ports and said baille, the said housing comprising. venting means directly communicating with the atmosphere, the said housing and the said vent communicating means being positioned above the rim of the said xture.

8. In a vacuum breaker, comprisingvin comvplurality of flushingports therefor in axial alignc projecting from the uppermost of said ports, an

annular baille surrounding an inner portion of the said spud, a substantially horizontally extending baille positioned between said ports and having an aperture in axial alignment therewith, a housing enclosing said ports and the said bafiles, the said housing'having vents in communication with the said ports above the rim of the said iixture.

9. In a vacuum breaker, comprising in combination a rimmedilxture, a superpo'sed housing therefor, the said fixture having substantially coaxial flushing ports with said housing ar-f ranged to provide a substantially vertical ushing stream, battles and vents within said housing positioned above the rim of the said xture, the said vents being in communication with said ports, the said housing being open to atmosphere on all sides except that side immediately adjacent to the xture.

10. In an integral vacuum breaker, comprising in. combination a rimmed fixture having a plurality of substantially coaxial ilushing ports,l a

superposed housing therefor enclosing said flushing ports, respective annularly positioned and transversely ported baiiles therebetween within l the said housing, the said bailles being positioned above the rim of the said xture, vents in communication with said/h ports, the said baiiies being so arranged whereby the splashing of the iiushing water outwardly into the atmosphere through the vents is prevented. l

11. In an integral vacuum breaker, comprising in combination a rimmed ilxture having a plurality of substantially coaxial iiushing ports, re`

spective annularly positioned and' transversely ported baflies between `said ushing ports, the said transversely ported bame being substantially horizontally extending, the said baiiles and iiushing ports of the baille being positioned above the rim of the said fixture, air vents communiveating with the atmosphere at substantially the same level in communication with said ports.

12. In a vacuum breaker comprising in comsaid ports;

bination a rimmed xture having a plurality of 'supply ports in substantial axial augment, the

latter constituting flushing means for the said ilxture, a baile positioned transversely between said ports, having an aperture in axial alignment therewith and positioned above the rim of the said xture, a housing superposed upon said iixture enclosing the saidports and the said baille,

the said housing through its walls having venting means in direct communication with the atmosphere, the said vents being positioned on the side. and rearward portions thereof, the said port communicating means being positioned ,wholly above the rim of the xture.

13. In a vacuum breaker comprising in combination a xture to be ilushed having a plurality of substantially vertical extending coaxial iiushing ports, a housing having respective annularly positioned and transversely ported baiiles between said flushing ports, the said bailles and ushing ports of the baiiles'being positioned above the rim of the said ixture, air vents communicating with the atmosphere at substantially the same tioned above the rim of the said ilxture, air vents communicating with the atmosphere at substantially the same level in communication with the ROY H. ZINKIL. 

